Here’s an aphorism you may know: “Once is a fluke, twice is coincidence, third time is a trend."
I’m not sure who said it, or where it was written first. Neither Google, ChatGPT nor Claude knew either.
So much for AI. Anyway…
When I was informed that our CEO Ali Riaz would be included in the Lloyd’s List Top 10 Technology Leaders for a third consecutive year, that phrase came to mind. Having been so honored in 2022 and 2023, Ali’s inclusion in 2024 constitutes a trend.
This recent acknowledgment solidifies Ali’s place among the maritime industry’s most forward-thinking leaders, and it’s a testament to his ability to steer OrbitMI toward meaningful impact year after year.
It did not happen by chance. Looking back, I see a reflection of the work we set out to accomplish as a team from our origins in 2019. The foundation OrbitMI has built together made these acknowledgments possible. But what makes this recognition truly meaningful is that it highlights not just Ali’s leadership, but the values and purpose that have driven OrbitMI from the beginning.
Over the past three years, the world of maritime technology has changed significantly, and so has OrbitMI. In 2022, the company was focused on unlocking hidden value from maritime data, with partnerships that broke down silos and improved operational efficiency. By 2023, the vision was validated by a major strategic partnership with Bureau Veritas. That collaboration underscored OrbitMI’s growing influence and ability to build bridges between traditional maritime practices and digital transformation.
Our success has been aided by a recognition in the industry that to unlock the value in maritime data, we must knock down the siloes where it is trapped. Furthermore, software companies and data providers are embracing transparency and collaboration through integrations and APIs. In this way, our customers, partners and the ecosystem at large share in this honor.
This past year has brought even more evolution. OrbitMI has rolled out specialized solutions for LNG carriers and dry bulk operators—proof of its ability to adapt its platform to meet the unique challenges of different sectors. At the same time, the company remains true to its core mission: helping maritime organizations make smarter, faster decisions by leveraging data.
What hasn’t changed is the ethos that drives Ali and the OrbitMI team. From the beginning, OrbitMI has been about more than technology—it’s been about enabling people across the maritime industry to achieve more, whether that’s through better operational insights, enhanced sustainability efforts, or smoother compliance processes.
Ali’s leadership has been a constant throughout this journey. He brings a sense of calm focus to everything he does, whether navigating the complexities of partnerships, steering product innovation, or simply listening to what customers need. While the maritime industry often rewards tradition, Ali has found a way to balance respect for that tradition with a drive for progress.
Ali’s inclusion in Lloyd’s List Top 10 Technology Leaders for 2024 is a reflection of the dedication, vision, and humility he brings to OrbitMI every day. This recognition—his third in a row—underscores his consistent ability to inspire innovation and guide the company toward solutions that make a tangible difference for our customers and the maritime industry.
As a team, we want to take this opportunity to thank Ali for his unwavering leadership and his ability to inspire everyone around him. This recognition may bear Ali’s name, but it represents the collective effort of the entire OrbitMI family, working together under his guidance.
Ali, thank you for challenging us to think bigger, collaborate smarter, and stay focused on delivering meaningful impact.
Here’s to building on this momentum, together.
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